From: steven engelfried <stevene>
Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 17:26:03 -0700

I agree with recent recommendations of "Stephen Fair" and "Trolls." They share a quality I really appreciate: I was never quite sure where they were going...and I didn't really care. Then when I found out, it really had an impact. The aunt's stories in "Trolls" were so interesting and funny by themselves, and the fact that they built up to a significant lesson for the two kids wasn't obvious to me until the end. Stephen's dreams were clearly going to be an important part of "Stephen Fair," but I got absorbed in other parts of his life just as much. Both books had very satisfying endings, bringing meaning and import to the events. But I would have wanted to read about Stephen's family and friends, and about the aunt's childhood experiences, even without the greater meaning the endings brought. I don't know if this is a Canadian quality, but it's one I enjoy.

Steven Engelfried, Children's Librarian Deschutes Public Library 601 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97701 ph: 541a7p72 fax: 541a7p73 e-mail: stevene at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Sun 26 Sep 1999 07:26:03 PM CDT